RU2668458C2 - Storage assembly (versions) and vehicle interior trim assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: transportation.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the field of transport machine building. Storage assembly to be at least partially received underneath a trim panel defining a volume of space comprises a storage floor, first and second connectors, a cover, side walls, a rear and a front wall. Storage floor is located within the volume of space. Storage floor rotates relative to the trim panel and about the first connector. Cover closes the floor storage. Second connector is spaced from the first connector and supports the cover such that the cover is movable relative to the storage floor. Rear wall extends from the storage floor and supports the second connector.

EFFECT: easier storage of objects under the trim panel.

3 cl, 11 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in one or more embodiments, relates to a storage unit and, in particular, to a storage unit for at least partially positioning beneath a trim panel at a volume of space, such as the amount of space available to a vehicle dashboard or center console.

BACKGROUND

The interior of automobiles often contains as a distinctive element a number of storage compartments to store personal items or user items. The user or driver may hope to have some items at their disposal, such as navigation devices located in his / her field of vision, to facilitate the selection of the optimal travel route.

As an example, in US 8,807,621 (IPC B60R7 / 06, published August 19, 2014), a storage unit for a dashboard is disclosed, including a cover and holder attached to each other and movable together relative to the dashboard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a storage unit for at least partially locating under a trim panel forming a volume of space, comprising:

a bottom storage member located at least partially within a space volume;

a first connecting element around which the bottom storage element is rotated relative to the decoration panel;

a cover providing a cover for the bottom storage member;

the second connecting element spaced from the first connecting element and supporting the cover, the lid is a movable bottom storage element; and

guide means supporting the first connecting element, made with the possibility of translational movement relative to the guide means.

In one embodiment, an assembly is provided in which the lid pivots about a second connecting element relative to the decoration panel.

In one embodiment, an assembly is provided in which the lid is movable by means of a second connecting element relative to the decoration panel.

In one of the options proposed site, additionally containing a rear wall, extending from the bottom element for storage and supporting the second connecting element.

In one embodiment, an assembly is provided in which the lid comprises magnetic material.

In one embodiment, an assembly is proposed that further comprises a downwardly extending protrusion supported on the bottom storage member for engaging with the finishing panel while translating the first connecting member along the guide means.

In one embodiment, a node is provided in which the cover is made with one or more openings, and when two or more openings are provided, at least two of them have different sizes relative to each other.

In one embodiment, a node is further proposed that further comprises a drive removably attached to the lid to accumulate one or more objects received through one or more openings.

In one embodiment, an assembly is proposed in which the cover comprises a pair of sliding latches for removably attaching the drive to the cover, the drive comprising a pair of overall recesses to match the sliding latches when disconnected from the cover and located on the bottom storage member of the drive.

In one of the additional aspects of the proposed site for storage for at least partial location under the interior of the vehicle, containing:

a bottom storage member located at least partially under the interior trim;

a first connecting element around which the bottom storage element rotates relative to the interior trim;

a cover providing a cover for the bottom storage member;

a back wall extending from the bottom storage member;

the second connecting element supported on the rear wall and the cover supporting the lid is a movable bottom storage member;

guide means supporting the first connecting element, made with the possibility of translational movement relative to the guide means; and

a downwardly extending protrusion supported on the bottom storage member for engagement with the interior finish while translating the first connecting member along the rear wall.

In one embodiment, an assembly is provided in which the lid pivots about a second connecting element relative to the interior trim.

In one of the options proposed site, in which the rear wall is made in one piece with the bottom element for storage.

In one embodiment, an assembly is provided in which the lid comprises magnetic material.

In one embodiment, an assembly is provided in which a bottom storage member comprises a first material and a second material different from the first material.

In one embodiment, a node is provided in which the cover is made with one or more openings, and when two or more openings are provided, at least two of them have different sizes relative to each other.

In one embodiment, there is provided an assembly further comprising a drive removably attached to the lid to accumulate one or more objects received through at least one of the openings.

In a still further aspect, an interior decoration unit of a vehicle is provided, including interior decoration; containing:

a bottom storage member located at least partially under the interior trim;

a first connecting element around which the bottom storage element rotates relative to the interior trim;

guide means supporting the first connecting element, made with the possibility of translational movement relative to the guide means;

a cover providing a cover for the bottom storage member and comprising a pair of sliding latches supported thereon.

a back wall extending from the bottom storage member;

the second connecting element supported on the rear wall and the cover supporting the lid is a movable bottom storage member; and

a drive removably attached to the cover by a pair of sliding latches and including a pair of overall recesses to match the sliding latches when disconnected from the cover and located on the bottom element for storing the drive.

In one embodiment, an assembly is provided in which the lid pivots about a second connecting element relative to the decoration panel.

In one embodiment, an assembly is provided in which the lid is movable by means of a second connecting element relative to the decoration panel.

In one embodiment, an assembly is provided in which a bottom storage member comprises a first material and a second material different from the first material.

One or more useful features as described elsewhere.

places in the materials of the present description will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of one or more embodiments of this invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in more detail in the accompanying drawings and described below as examples, of which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a storage unit based in the interior of a vehicle according to one or more embodiments in which the storage unit is in a use position or an open position;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line 2A-2A of the storage unit indicated by reference to FIG. one;

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative view of the storage unit indicated by reference to FIG. 2, in which the storage unit is in its original or closed position;

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative general view of the storage unit indicated by reference to FIG. one;

FIG. 5 illustrates yet another alternative cross-sectional view of the storage assembly indicated by reference to FIG. one;

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another general view of the storage unit indicated by reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 or FIG. four;

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative local view of the storage unit indicated by reference to FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates yet another alternative local view of the storage unit indicated by reference to FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 illustrates another other general view of the storage unit indicated by reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 or FIG. four;

FIG. 10 illustrates yet another general view of the storage assembly indicated by reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 or FIG. 3; and

FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of a storage unit indicated by reference to FIG. 10;

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As indicated by reference to the figures, like reference numerals are used to indicate identical components. In the following description, various operating parameters and components are described for various structural embodiments. These specific parameters and components are presented as examples and are not limiting.

As will be detailed elsewhere in the materials of the present description, the present invention in one or more embodiments is useful at least by providing a storage unit, which should be at least partially received under the trim panel at the volume of the space, while the inner space the vehicle can be used relatively efficiently, while a user, such as a driver, can see and have access to things stored in the storage unit with relatively improved hydrochloric move.

In one or more embodiments, the term “trim panel” refers to a surface-forming panel within a vehicle, aircraft, ship, or any other suitable motorized vessel that a driver or passenger sees, where the surface-forming panel provides an aesthetic feel and / or stylish decoration. Non-limiting examples of trim panels include a dashboard and a center console of a vehicle.

FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate, in various views, a storage unit 100 according to one or more embodiments. For purposes of illustration, the storage unit 100 is illustratively illustrated as being at least partially accepted in the space of the dashboard or center console 140 of the vehicle 130. The storage unit 100 may be located at any other suitable locations in the vehicle 130.

In one or more embodiments, the storage unit 100 is at least partially located beneath the trim panel 120 at a volume of space 280, including a bottom storage element 202 located at least partially in the volume of space 280, a first connecting element 204 around which the bottom the storage member 202 rotates relative to the trim panel 120, a cover 202 providing a cover for the bottom storage member 202, and a second connecting member 208 located at a distance from the first connector element 204 and a supporting lid 206, so that the lid 206 moves relative to the bottom storage element 202. In addition, in the view of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the bottom storage member 202 may pivot about a first connecting member 204 between a first position illustratively illustrated in FIG. 2, and the second position, illustratively depicted in FIG. 3, along the direction “L1”. The first position may be one of those supporting positions in which the bottom storage member 202, together with the lid 206, together support the presentation of one or more items to the operator as being stored on or supported by the bottom storage member 202. The second position may be one of those supporting positions in which the bottom storage member 202, together with the lid 206, together support the hidden storage of one or more items so that the items are neatly folded under the trim panel 120 to reduce or eliminate visual discomfort due to clutter. These many provisions can be implemented or provided by any suitable methods, such as one or more tensile springs, implemented on or as part of the first connecting element 204.

As detailed elsewhere in the materials of the present description, the bottom storage element 202 is advantageously provided and arranged so that it can rotate relative to the trim panel 120 to rise or fall along the direction "L1", with the possible change of position of the cover 206 relative to the trim panel 120 and / or bottom storage element 202. Such a construction may be particularly useful for using the storage unit 100, in which the user can open the lid 206 to place items for storage, and can later rotate the bottom storage element 202 as necessary to the open position, as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, so that items located on the bottom storage member 202 can be in the line of sight of the user for easy retrieval.

In one or more embodiments, and in addition, in the view of FIG. 1, the storage unit 100 is illustratively depicted as being at least partially received in space in or near the dashboard or center console, facing the driver or passenger of the front row. This can be especially useful when the storage unit 100 is used to store and hold navigation devices or other electronic means to facilitate driving, where the user or driver may not necessarily need to look strongly to the side to be informed of the readings from the navigation devices during driving.

In addition, in the view of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the trim panel 120 at space 280 may be part of or include an upper surface of the dashboard or center console. Accordingly, the lid 206 can be aligned with the upper surface of the dashboard or center console when the storage unit 100 is in the closed position, providing a better aesthetic feel. The trim panel 120, alternatively, can be separable and located at a distance from the top surface of the dashboard or center console, where the cover 206 can be raised or lowered relative to the trim panel 120. The storage assembly 100 can also be located on or near the rear seat armrest. vehicle or in any other suitable places inside the vehicle. Accordingly, the trim panel 120 may be part of any suitable interior surface or trim of the vehicle.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2 and 2B, the bottom storage member 202 is at least partially received in space 280. For purposes of illustration, the storage assembly 100 is shown as being in the open position in FIG. 2 and the closed position in FIG. 3. Furthermore, in the view of FIG. 3, the bottom storage member 202 can be fully received in space 280 and hidden by a cover 206. In some other embodiments, only a portion of the bottom storage member 202 is received in space 280, while being partially located outside space 280, for example above trim panel 120 or the outer or upper surface of the dashboard or center console. Accordingly, at least during the use operation, the storage unit 100 can take advantage of the space available outside the space 280 to locate or hold relatively large items.

The storage unit 100 further comprises a first connecting element 204. The bottom storage element 202 can rotate around the first connecting element 204 along the “L1” direction between the open position, as shown in FIG. 2 and the closed position, as shown in FIG. 3 with respect to the trim panel 120. Accordingly, the bottom storage member 202 may be raised upward in the direction of the user's field of view around the first connecting member 204 along the “L1” direction so as to reach an open position to provide a relatively easy view and access to objects located on bottom storage element 202. In order to achieve an initial or closed position, the bottom storage member 202 may be lowered into space 280 again by pivoting around the first connecting member 204 to give a clear view to the user.

In one embodiment, the storage unit 100 may include guide means supporting a first connecting member 204 that can be used to change the initial position of the first connecting member 204. In particular, and with reference to FIG. 5, at least one guide means 470 may be formed on and supported by a side wall, such as side walls 322, 324, referred to in FIG. 4, which together define the space 280. Accordingly, the first connecting element 204 can translationally move to another position, such as position 404, by means of the guide means 470 and can rotate relative to the trim panel 120 in any position during the translational movement along the guide means 470. Accordingly, , the bottom storage member 202 may rotate around the first connecting member 204 at any predetermined position, while the first connecting member 204 may moves along the guide means 470.

Therefore, by using the guiding means 470, the bottom storage member 202 can suitably change in its initial position along the third direction “L3” and can rotate around the trim panel 120 in each of the initial positions along the direction “L3”. The change of position along the direction of "L3", which is different from the direction of "L1" or direction "L2", provides additional design and flexibility for the node 100 for storage.

Guide means 470 may provide additional benefits. Returning to FIG. 5, and when the bottom storage member 202 is progressively moved to a more elevated position in which the first connecting member is located at position 404, the leading edge 480 of the bottom storage member 202 (an edge proximal to the user) may be supported on the trim panel 120. To facilitate of this configuration, a downward protrusion 484 may further be provided for the leading edge 480 of the bottom storage member 202. The downwardly extending protrusion 484 may engage with the lower notch 488 when the first connecting member 204 is in its initial lower position, and may engage with the upper notch 486 when the first connecting member 204 is translationally moving along the guiding means 470 to its position under 404.

As further detailed elsewhere in the materials of the present description, this can be especially useful when the storage unit 100 is used to store and / or support a navigation device. The guide means 470, on which the first connecting element 204 moves progressively to and from position 404, can be supported on the wall forming the space 280 and / or at least one of the side walls 322, 324, illustratively illustrated in FIG. 4. Any predetermined position of the storage bottom member 202 as it rises or lowers can be further supported by using any suitable methods, such as structures with a protruding notch (not shown), or by using one or more tension springs, as indicated elsewhere in the materials of the present description.

Returning to FIG. 2, the storage unit 100 further comprises a lid 206 to provide a cover for the bottom member 202 for storage and / or space 280. As detailed elsewhere in the present disclosure, the lid 206 may be aligned with, raised or lowered relative to the trim panel 120 spaces 280. Although the cover 206 is illustrated in the flat panel form in the discussed drawings, the cover 206 may have any suitable shape with any suitable surface configuration. In some cases, cover 206 may be configured or include arcs, protrusions, and / or depressions.

In one or more embodiments, the lid 206 may include magnetic material so that the lid 206 can be moved back toward the bottom storage member 202 and maintained in a closed position by magnetic force. Additionally and / or alternatively, the cover 206 may be stabilized with respect to the bottom storage member 202 by any suitable mechanical means, such as hooks, articles of elastic material, hinges and / or staples.

When included in the magnetic material, the cover 206 can conveniently be used to at least temporarily attract, and hence, visually present the item to the operator as soon as the cover 206 is in the open position, such as illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 or FIG. 4. In particular and, moreover, in the view of FIG. 9, products such as keys 652 can be easily presented to the user by being attached to the cover 206 by one or more magnetic materials 662. The magnetic materials can be in detachable linings or can be presented as the entire surface of the cover 206. Magnetic materials 662 can be embedded in and / or superimposed on cover 206, as necessary and applicable.

Alternatively, and as illustratively shown in FIG. 9, magnetic material in the form of a magnetic layer 664 can be superimposed on the inside of the cover 206 so that magnetic force can be more easily and freely detected on the cover 206.

In some embodiments, and also in the view of FIG. 2 - FIG. 4, the cover 206 may be supported on a second connecting element 208 located at a distance from the first connecting element 204, so that the cover 206 can move relative to the bottom storage element 202. Accordingly, the user can move the lid 206 along the “L2” direction, for example, to place an item in or to remove an item from the storage unit 100 with further improved ease. Additionally, and when the lid 206 is movable relative to the bottom storage member 202 by the second connecting member 208, the bottom storage member 202 need not be raised or lowered in order for the item to be stored or removed.

The second connecting member 208 may take any suitable form to facilitate movement of the cover 206 relative to the trim panel 120 and / or the bottom storage member 202. The second connecting element 208 may include or be pivotally mounted on the decoration panel 120 of the space 280 so that the cover 206 can pivot about the second connecting element 208 relative to the decoration panel 120. In addition, after the cover 206 moves to the open position, such as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the cover 206 can then be used along with the bottom storage member 202 to hold means at hand, such as a navigation device. Additionally, in the view of FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the storage unit 100 may include a back wall 310 extending from the bottom storage member 202. The second connecting element 208 may take the form of a swivel and be supported on the rear wall 310. Thus, the cover 206 can be rotated relative to the bottom element 202 for storage, as well as the decoration panel 120.

Returning to FIG. 4, and in one or more embodiments, the storage unit 100 may further include side walls 322, 324 and a front wall 330, all of which, together with the rear wall 310, together form a wall-enclosed storage cavity 350. A wall-enclosed storage cavity 350 may be particularly useful for storing items that need to be physically restricted to avoid unwanted movements. The restriction effect can be further enhanced by the consistent use of a lid 206 located in the direction of the walls of the storage cavity 350 enclosed by the walls along the “L2” direction.

Returning to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, and in addition, in the view of FIG. 4, each of the transitional positions in which the storage unit 100 is to be supported can be implemented by any suitable mechanisms with non-limiting examples including the use of one or more tension springs. For example, the first connecting member 204 may be implemented with one or more tension spring 390 to enable positional translational movement along the “L2” direction. For the sake of the same characteristic, one or more tension springs (not shown) can be applied to the second connecting element 208 to help achieve positional translational movements of the cover 206 relative to the bottom storage element 202.

As detailed elsewhere in the materials of the present description, the present invention advantageously provides a means and / or method for at least temporarily storing things at hand, such as keys, writing pens, notebooks and coins. For example, and returning to FIG. 9, in addition, in the view of FIG. 4, any one of the bottom storage member 202, the rear wall 310, the side walls 322, 324, and the front wall 330 may be formed of two or more materials. For example, the bottom storage member 202 may include a first material (not shown) embedded in and / or superimposed on the inner surface 634 of the front wall 330, and a second material (not shown) other than the first material that is embedded in and / or superimposed on the outer surface 632 of the front wall 330. In particular, the first material of the inner surface 634 may be a relatively more flexible material and is located on the inner surface of the bottom storage member 202, such as a surface in contact with one or more temples imyh objects, performing the required containment of noise or vibration. The second material of the outer surface 632 may be a relatively stiffer material and located on the outer surface opposite the inner surface, realizing the desired structural strength.

In one or more embodiments, and in addition, in the view of FIG. 6, cover 206 may include one or more through holes or through openings, such as openings 532 to 538. Thus, small objects can be placed in storage unit 100 without being forced to open cover 206. For example, cover 206 may include one, two or more openings, and when one or more openings are provided, at least two of which may have different sizes relative to each other. This configuration is particularly useful when the storage unit 100 is used as a coin store. More specifically, one of the openings may be provided with dimensions for arranging coins of a relatively smaller size, such as a one cent coin, a coin of five cents or a coin of ten cents, while others may be allocated with sizes for arranging coins of a relatively large size, such as a quarter coin dollar or dollar.

Returning to FIG. 6, the opening 532 may be provided with dimensions so that one or more dimes pass; the opening 534 may be provided with dimensions so that one or more coins pass in one cent; the aperture 536 may be sized to allow one or more quarter-dollar coins to pass; and the opening 538 may be provided with dimensions so that one or more coins of five cents pass. The openings 532 through 538 can have any suitable orientation, and more than one opening of the size of a coin can be provided in any of the compartments 542 through 548 for storage. Compartments 542 through 548 may be defined, taking into account the free space available from the wall-enclosed storage cavity 350, and may independently have any suitable depth extending into the wall-enclosed storage cavity 350.

Returning to FIG. 6, the cup 510 for coins can be used as a storage for coins stacked through any one of the openings 532, 534, 536 and 538. Optionally, the cup 510 for coins is removable relative to the lid 206 by engagement between its edge panel 560 and one or more sliding latches 570 located on the cover 206. The openings 532, 534, 536 and 538 on the cover 206 can be aligned with the openings 542, 544, 546 and 548 located on the edge panel 560.

In some embodiments, and as illustratively shown in FIG. 7, the openings 532, 534, 536 and 538 may take the form of compartments 552, 554, 556 and 558, respectively, in the direction “D” of the depth, so that the coins, as they are stacked, can be separated for easy removal.

In some other embodiments, and as illustratively shown in FIG. 8, the edge panel 560 of the coin cup 510 may further include a pair of dimensional recesses 572 so as to align with the sliding latches 570 when the coin cup is detached from the lid 206, rotated at an angle in an arrow shown by any suitable value, such as from approximately 75 to 115 degrees, and is located inside the volume of space 350.

Alternatively, and as illustrated in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, instead of a detachable / removable coin cup 510, a detachable / removable tray insert 710 can be used to provide additional versatility regarding the type of items that can be stored. For example, and returning to FIG. 11, the tray insert 710 may include adjacent compartments 752, 754, 756 and 758 as receptors for coins of different sizes through coin slots 732, 734, 736 and 738, respectively. In addition, storage end compartments 762 and 764 may also be provided for storing other items, such as keys, a USB cable, perfumes for air freshening, or other items at hand. Note that compartments 762, 764 can be accessed when the chute insert is detached from the lid by disengaging with the slide latches 570, rotates through an angle of a suitable number of degrees, such as from about 75 to 115 degrees, and fits within the volume of space 350. Similarly , clearance grooves 770 may be provided for alignment with the sliding latches 570 when the cover 206 returns to its closed position.

The storage unit 100 has been described herein with respect to a motor vehicle. However, the storage unit 100 may be used in applications with other vehicles, such as aircraft, boats, and ships.

As described in the description of the invention, the invention provides a storage unit for at least partial location under the trim panel at the volume of space. However, a specialist in the art should understand, on the basis of a comprehensive review of the description and the attached drawings and claims, that various changes, modifications and variations can be made in the materials of the present description, without departing from the true nature and fair scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims inventions.

Claims (9)

1. A storage unit for at least partial location under a finishing panel forming a volume of space, comprising: a bottom storage member located at least partially within a space volume; a first connecting element around which the bottom storage element is rotated relative to the decoration panel; a cover providing a cover for the bottom storage member; a second connecting element located at a distance from the first connecting element and supporting the lid so that the lid is movable relative to the bottom storage element; and at least one of a side wall, a rear wall, and a front wall extending from the bottom storage member, wherein the back wall extends from the bottom storage member and supports the second connecting member. 2. The storage unit according to claim 1, in which the lid rotates around the second connecting element relative to the decoration panel. 3. The storage unit according to claim 1, in which the lid contains magnetic material.

Images